Johann Kaspar Aquila German religious reformer Date of Birth: 07.08.1488 Country: Germany

1. Early Life and Education
2. Military Service and Arrest
3. Collaboration with Luther
4. Protestant Bishop
5. Opposition to the Interim
6. Later Appointments and Death

Early Life and Education

Johann Kaspar Aquila, born Johann Kaspar Adler on August 7, 1488, in Augsburg, Germany, pursued his education in Italy, Switzerland, and the universities of Leipzig and Wittenberg. In August 1514, he became a pastor in Bern.

Military Service and Arrest

Aquila's military service as a chaplain in Franz von Sickingen's army during the campaigns against Worms and Metz concluded with his appointment as a priest in Engen, near Augsburg. However, his alignment with Martin Luther led to his arrest by order of the Bishop of Augsburg.

Collaboration with Luther

Upon his release, Aquila became a professor of Hebrew at the University of Wittenberg. During this time, he collaborated with Luther on his translation of the Hebrew Bible.

Protestant Bishop

In 1527, Aquila was appointed pastor in Saalfeld, soon becoming its Protestant bishop. He played a role in the Augsburg Reichstag of 1530.

Opposition to the Interim

Aquila's vocal opposition to the Augsburg Interim in 1548, which allowed Protestants to receive communion under both kinds and permitted pastors to marry, alienated Emperor Charles V. As a result, Aquila sought refuge in Rudolstadt.

Later Appointments and Death

In 1550, Aquila became rector of Schmalkalden Gymnasium. Two years later, he returned to his bishopric in Saalfeld. Johann Kaspar Aquila died in Saalfeld on November 12, 1560.